The Guide to Bunkai and Kata
Applying of Techniques
BUNKAI
Do you practice bunkai at your club?
For some Instructors “Sensei” it’s not the most important aspect of Karate
teaching the bunkai.
Probably because it doesn’t result in getting shiny trophies.
Ok,
• But what exactly is bunkai?
• Why is it important?
• And how do you do it?
Check it out!
Bunkai is the practical application of kata.
The word itself actually means “to break down” in Japanese.
When used in the context of Karate, bunkai symbolizes the whole process of
breaking down the movements of a kata to understand how the
techniques can be applied in self-defense.
In other words, bunkai is the essence of kata.
Kata was never meant to be used as a standalone solo exercise.
That’s a modern phenomenon.
Originally, kata was created as a memory tool – so you could practice various
self-defense techniques used against a violent attacker on your own.
Sadly, the study of bunkai was dropped in the modernization of Karate.
That’s why kata training has been reduced to physical exercise in many dojos
today.
Even if they do practice bunkai, it’s usually without any depth or enthusiasm –
almost as an afterthought.
Why is bunkai important?
Bunkai is important because it’s our #1 link to Karate’s functional origins.
The original purpose of Karate was self-defense.
Karate was not created for sport, character building, fitness or McDojo
business.
Although today we use it in those ways, and many more.
It was created for one purpose:
Self-defense.
These self-defense techniques were naturally practiced with a partner. But, as
mentioned before, in order to memorize and reinforce multiple self-defense
sequences, you strung them together into longer sets called “kata”.
This is a learning technique called mnemonic device.
So, practicing kata without bunkai goes against the whole purpose of kata’s
existence.
Bunkai is the connection to Karate’s original purpose and values.
Additionally, bunkai training can solve many people’s lack of motivation to
practice kata.
Meaning, if you don’t know the purpose of the techniques… what’s the point of
doing them correctly?
How do you practice bunkai?
By doing exactly what the word means: break down a kata.
The basic steps are:
1. Choose a kata.
2. Pick a sequence of the
kata.
3. Analyse the movements of that sequence.
4. Apply the techniques in
a self-defence scenario.
Sounds easy? It’s not…
This process of “reverse engineering” a kata is difficult for many people and
“Senseis”, because their limited ability to see kata as a pragmatic
self-defense tool, rather than an abstract dojo dance, holds them back from
realising the true potential of kata’s practical applications.
The number one thing to keep in mind when doing bunkai is this:
The techniques should not be applied against “Karate attacks”.
The techniques should not be applied against “Karate attacks”.
Why? Because nobody will attack you with a perfect Karate punch / kick in a deep stance in reality.
A real life attack will be brutal, quick and unexpected.
That’s what your bunkai needs to work against!
The techniques need to be mastered to be applied fluently.
Here is an example:
One day I was showing to my students a few moves.
I asked a student to punch me for demonstration.
He/she did
I did a block, followed by a kick, punch and a takedown technique.
I asked the student to repeat the same punch again.
He/she did
But this time I did a different combination.
( Another student noticed that. And said, but Sensei you didn't do
the same combination as the first one. )
I replied yes I know.
That's the point you never do the same combination.
You must react quickly and naturally and not think what techniques
you should do.
You should be able to react without thinking.
(In the same way as you walk. You don't think where you put your
foot, you just do it.)
To me this is a natural action and the same should happen when
applying the techniques. You don't think you just do it.
In other words one technique bring out the other one synchronized
in harmony and effortlessly.
(Don't get confused with the competition bunkai for the real life
self defense one)
To master this you need lots of training, passion, dedication and
determination.
And then training of the kata's with bunkai. The kata's have all
the ingredients.
Like: speed, timing, power, stances, punches, and so on.
Everything in the kata plays a role to the self defense.
Once you have learned the katas well you become the architect and
you will be able bring those techniques to life.
Keep it realistic.
Here are some Kata training tips.
The Katas should be practiced with a self defense in maid and not
like a dance or as a competition version in order to be effective.
Check it out!
When training your Kata, concentrate on those areas: Eyes – Pace – Technique –
Breathing - Kiai and Kime (focus).
A good way to learn and train your Kata is slowly a few times with great
attention to detail, and then with proper pace kiai and full power.
Remember Kata is not a dance. You must try to visualize your opponents.
All self-defense techniques and applications are in the Kata. When you train
your Katas for a long time they will reveal themselves to you.
The Kata allows the student to fully express the four basic tenets of
Karate-Do: speed – strength – beauty - and technique.
Physically, the Kata develops speed – balance – posture –
techniques - and coordination.
Mentally, the Kata develops your concentration - attention to
detail – awareness - and confidence.
Spiritually, the Kata develops your internal energy and you’re
fighting spirit.
Those are the starting ingredients to perfecting your bunkai.
NOTES
The sensei should allow the student
to express themselves when practicing Bunkai. And not just impose their way.
The teaching of the Kata's as a self defense should be the
priority. And not as a compilation form.
As a student don't be shy to try and
express your ideas. Doesn't matter if in the beginning the ideal don't work or
look stupid.
We all have different ideas and skills when it comes to defend
ourselves. No one learn without making mistakes. Sometimes the mistakes makes
as more determined to succeed.
Think about all those great Sensei out there. They all had their
fair share of mistakes and still do to reach to their perfection.
Karate is about being patient and not given up. Seeking to
perfect oneself and to explore the techniques in every way possible.
Every one of us have something to offer. And yes you do too.
Don't forget next you go training to put more effort in to katas and bunkai.
Good lock and Good training
Thanks for reading
Ylli Sensei
Thanks for reading
Ylli Sensei
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